Tournament hosts Morocco will look to secure qualification for the quarter-finals and finish top of Group A when they face Senegal in a decisive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations clash on Monday.
The Atlas Lionesses have won both of their opening matches, defeating Kenya 4-0 before edging Algeria 1-0, and need only a draw to progress as group winners.
Coach Jorge Vilda’s side have carried impressive form into the tournament and are unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions. They have also won their last four games, strengthening their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Sanaa Mssoudy’s late winner against Algeria ensured Morocco maintained a perfect defensive record in the tournament, with five goals scored and none conceded after two matches.
Senegal, however, still have everything to play for.
The Teranga Lionesses recovered from an opening defeat to Algeria by beating Kenya 1-0, courtesy of Seynabou Mbengue’s first-half strike, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Although the victory boosted morale, Senegal have struggled for consistency, winning only two of their last eight matches while losing four of their previous six in all competitions.
Morocco also hold the psychological advantage after defeating Senegal 1-0 during the group stage of the last WAFCON.
The hosts are expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, but Senegal know that a positive result could be enough to keep their quarter-final dream alive depending on other Group A results.
With qualification and group leadership at stake, Monday’s contest promises to deliver another exciting chapter in the tournament.
